Our Story

Fresh First was established in 2013 as the first 100% gluten-free eatery and juicery in Fort Lauderdale.

“Our vision is to provide a healthier, fresh food restaurant alternative that welcomes all types of foodies.”
- Eliana & Tarso, Fresh First

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Who We Are

We hold the distinction as Fort Lauderdale’s first eatery to earn GREAT Kitchen accreditation by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. At Fresh First, we cater to a wide range of diets and healthy lifestyles with food as natural as possible. Whether you are celiac, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or simply a conscious eater, we are here to prepare fresh, flavorful dishes for you every day.

Our Ingredients

We focus on made-from-scratch, fresh choices that are mostly organic and free of gluten, peanuts, and genetic modifications. We always start with the simplest, purest ingredients possible and combine them in a way that makes healthy food taste better than you could ever imagine. We offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, juices and smoothies for the whole family.

We are plant-based eaters and we have food allergies running in the family. Like many households, we also have diverse preferences that range from vegan to omnivore and everything in between. We wanted to eat out together but had difficulty finding a place where everyone could be happy with their meal and savor time with family.
– Eliana & Tarso Teixeira

Our Story

Fresh First was created in 2013, fulfilling a need for healthy food options in South Florida. Fresh First is a 100% gluten free, peanut free, GMO-free and mostly organic restaurant in South Florida. Fresh First was Fort Lauderdale’s first restaurant to earn the recognition of GREAT Kitchen by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), for catering to diets and lifestyles of all shapes and sizes with food as natural as possible and all made in-house from scratch.

In 2015, the restaurant was put up for sale. Tarso Teixeira and his wife, Eliana, had recently moved back to the US from China, after working for 15 years in luxury hotels. They were looking for a different challenge that matched their lifestyle. Both Tarso and Eliana eat a plant-based diet, and Tarso’s family has a history of food allergies. Over the years, Tarso’s family experienced difficulties finding places to dine out that would suit everyone’s dietary needs and preferences. So, when Tarso and Eliana discovered that Fresh First was for sale, they immediately thought, “This is it!”

The Teixeiras felt they could take the Fresh First concept to another level. After a few adjustments, tweaks and new creations, Fresh First had delicious menu items to appeal to pescatarians, vegetarians, celiacs, vegans, raw vegans, and the regular conscious eater omnivore.

Within a few months, Fresh First’s business was growing exponentially. Two years later, Tarso and Eliana felt it was time to grant the requests of so many satisfied customers, who would often tell them that they wish there was a Fresh First near their home or work. After investing money, time, and hard work in building their business, the Teixeiras decided to franchise to bring Fresh First to the masses. Through franchising, they are able to share their passion for delicious, healthy food with more like-minded people, creating loyal customers across the map.

What is there not to love about fresh first?!? The moment you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile! I love that all the employees value you as a regular by remembering your order and your seat and your name! read more

My wife and I had the greatest healthy meal for Brunch this weekend. Everything was very fresh and had an amazing taste. Great healthy alternative and the price was very reasonable. Stay healthy my friends read more

Service is friendly - they are so welcoming. Food is all cooked fresh. I eat there 2 to 3 times per week. Tofu scramble for breakfast, all soups are great, vegan chili with brown rice, farmhouse rice, great fresh salads. No skimpy portions here. read more